Passion drives you to thrive in job you love

Suresh Kana, PwC's territory senior partner for Africa, tells Rene Vollgraaff how quickly 37 years has gone by in a job that he loves

WHAT was your first job and how did you get this job?

In 1976, I joined Coopers & Lybrand (C&L), one of the predecessors of Pricewaterhouse-Coopers, as a trainee clerk. It was one of the firms listed by the National Council of Chartered Accountants.

C&L was the first firm I contacted. They were willing to employ a person of colour and so I accepted their offer.

Can you remember what your first task was on your first day of work?

Auditing fixed assets for an engineering firm. I did not really know what I was doing and I remember asking a lot of questions. Asking for help is something that has always stood me in good stead, because people are generally willing to assist.

Did your studies prepare you adequately for your first months in the workplace, or was it a steep learning curve?

My studies provided me with a solid base, but the practical application of theoretical knowledge is always a steep learning curve, as is applying the methodology of the firm.

Something university could not prepare me for was the work environment. C&L provided a supportive environment, but as a person of colour in apartheid South Africa I was not prepared for the prejudice and intolerance I encountered on some of my assignments.

I made a commitment to myself to remain true to my beliefs, work hard and focus on having a positive mindset. I wanted to learn, grow and develop. I believe a number of people I interacted with started to see beyond colour and appreciate me for who I was and for the skills I possessed.

How important would you say internships and on-the-job training are to get to grips with the working world after academic training?

Absolutely critical. The most effective form of learning is experiential, which is why the chartered accountant designation is so highly regarded.

The experience and skills that the trainees acquire - and require - are practical, obtained in real-life situations and easily transferable to work.

What is the most important lesson you have learnt about work and from whom?

That you should never compromise on quality and must have a point of view on professional matters. I learnt these lessons from Don Eriksson and John Kelly, two senior C&L partners.

What was your first boss like?

Pretty tough with very high standards, but always fair and supportive.

What kind of a boss are you?

As a boss, I believe in and am guided by four principles. The first is personal responsibility and determination. Taking ownership of key initiatives and projects is crucial.

The second principle is passion. It is about having the right attitude and tackling all tasks with a sense of purpose.

I am also passionate about the development of young people and next-generation leaders.

Then there is creativity - learning from other organisations that are known for creativity, speed of action and analysis and innovation.

The last principle is transparency and collaborative leadership. Being transparent, engaging in communication and establishing forums and initiatives to foster collaboration will drive our success.

How long have you been working for PwC?

About 37 years, but these have really flown by as I have constantly changed positions and roles within the firm.

Do you think there are still benefits in staying with the same employer for one's entire career, or do you think one can learn more by working for several employers?

While experience gained from working for several employers is beneficial, I have constantly sought out the career prospects in PwC that challenge me.

I can honestly say that I have never stood still from a personal development perspective.

You have served on several boards and committees in the accounting and auditing world. What value do you get from contributing in such a way to your profession?

I think the value is mutual. I have had the opportunity to give back to the profession that has given me so much. I had the ability to influence the debate around topical issues and promote good governance, which ultimately benefit the country. I hope that my personal and professional experiences, acquired over many years, have provided these boards and committees with balanced, practical and level-headed contributions.

You have taught at the University of the Free State and the University of Johannesburg. Do you think you would have been able to make a career in academia?

I have always had a passion for the development and empowerment of young people and academia certainly provides this opportunity. I think this passion, together with my drive and dedication, could certainly have resulted in a successful career in academia.

Looking back on your career, would you have made the same choices again if you had the chance? If not, what would you have done differently?

I am very satisfied with the career path I have followed. I would choose to remove the apartheid years, but not necessarily all the experiences within that period, because I do believe that they contributed to the person I am today. I have always appreciated the saying: "Find a job that you love and you will never have to work a day in your life." I think I found that early in my career.